Frankfurt Airport’s Terminal 3 expansion

Abstract

This paper analyses how Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is continuously evolving as one of Europe’s most important aviation hubs. Today, as in the past, FRA continues to meet the challenge of adapting its infrastructure to developments in the global aviation industry. The expansion of the airport — with the inauguration of the new Runway Northwest in 2011 and the current construction of Terminal 3 — is generating new capacity, which is vital due to strong growth in passenger traffic. Terminal 3 will make the airport competitive in the premium sector for future developments in international aviation. The first construction phase of Terminal 3 with piers H and J is planned to open by 2023. This first phase will feature separate levels for arrivals and departures, a marketplace, a food and beverage area and lounges. A new people-mover system and an expanded baggage handling system will ensure a rapid and smooth link with the existing Terminals 1 and 2 on the northern side of FRA — while also connecting the new terminal to the public transportation network. The plans for the new terminal were designed to be flexible from the outset and allow for speedy adaptation to market changes. In response to developments in the airline market and the special requirements of non-premium airlines, plans to build a third pier in the second construction phase of Terminal 3 have been moved forward and adapted to the changed requirements. This means that Pier G for non-premium traffic will be up and running as a fully functional building for handling passengers already in 2021, thus alleviating impending capacity constraints at Terminals 1 and 2. Later, the new non-premium pier will be fully integrated into the overall structure of Terminal 3 when the main terminal building and the two other piers are opened.